OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME CLEARINGHOUSE

Profiles of Successful Financing Strategies

Spotlight on 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grantees

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) grant program is the largest federal funding source dedicated exclusively to afterschool programs.  Since 1997, school districts and community organizations have received large grants to develop comprehensive out-of-school time programming that provides both academic enrichment and youth development services.  Due to the size and time-limited nature of 21CCLC grants, however, many grantees struggle to replace resources when grants expire.  The following profiles highlight the successful practices of 21CCLC grantees that have sustained out-of-school programming beyond their initial grants.

A+ Afterschool Programs, Wautoma, Wisconsin:

This rural community has leveraged strong community support to gain local tax revenue and school district funding to sustain afterschool programming at three K-8 sites.

Claremont, New Hampshire’s School District:

A school district relying on a strong programmatic vision and diverse funding sources to sustain out-of-school time programming. 

Columbine Elementary School, Denver, Colorado:

This school's extended day program has forged strong and diverse partnerships that have helped it access numerous funding sources and sustain itself through the years.

Fort Worth Afterschool Program:

This program is a collaboration between the city of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Independent School District to provide afterschool programming for school-age children in Fprt Worth, Texas.

Kids on the Block, Inc., McMinnville, Oregon:

The Kids on the Block afterschool program forms partnerships to sustain newly enhanced services following the end of their 21CCLC grant.

North Carolina Northwest Three Afterschool Consortium: 
A three-county consortium coordinating and accessing funds to sustain afterschool programming in rural Appalachian schools systems.